By Beth David, Editor
The Fairhaven Select Board finalized the membership of the Budget Working Group at its meeting on 8/24/26; approved funding for the Public Safety Complex Committee to issue an RFQ; approved the sale of the town’s $7.9 million loans/bond; and approved a Class II auto repair/ auto body license for the property at 98-99 Middle Street.
Fairhaven Fire Chief, Todd Correia, told the board that the $50,000 would be used to issue a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) and to hire a professional to help guide the Public Safety Complex Committee in its mandate to find a suitable way for the police and fire departments to upgrade facilities. The consultant will be asked to look at town owned properties and privately owned properties in Fairhaven to determine their suitability to be used for either department or for a combined public safety complex.
The RFQ, which is available online in the packet for the meeting, details the needs of both departments.
The board voted unanimously to expend the money that was authorized at a Special Town Meeting in November of 2025.
The board also authorized the borrowing of $7.9 million for a variety of projects approved at Town Meeting this year. Town Treasurer/Collector, Carla Maurao, told the board the rates are 4.0% and 4.26% for the different loans. Town Administrator, Keith Hickey, told the board that the town has retained its very high AA+ bond rating, allowing the town to secure low rates.
The board also held a public hearing for Stealth Collision, Inc., DBA Artistic Auto Body and Stealth Auto Center, 98-99 Middle Street, the site of the former Artistic Auto.
The Class II license is for two retail cars and also for repairs. Co-owners, Joseph Wilkerson and Antoine (Tony) Boutros, attended the meeting. No members of the public commented.
The board voted 4-0, to approve the license, with Rick Trapilo, recusing himself because he was involved in the sale of the property.
The board also voted to appoint Kevin Gallagher to the Budget Working Group, filling the slot for the resident with public safety experience. Mr. Gallagher is a retired Acushnet Fire Chief. He also served on the Fairhaven Board of Health, an elected position; and the Finance Committee, an appointed position.
Mr. Gallagher said that conditions have only grown more dire since his time on the Finance Committee, with the town now facing a $1.5 million deficit.
He said it is time for thoughtful economic development, to identify efficiences and inefficiencies, improve operations, and develop long term solutions.
Mr. Gallagher outlined some of his experience, including that he helped to regionalize five fire departments.
“You can’t unring a bell,” said Mr. Gallagher, adding that decisions need to be made, discussions need to be had. “But they need to be deliberate and thoughtful and painfully in the weeds of how the government in town is structured.”
SB member, Andrew Saunders said there may be opportunities to regionalize, but reminded Mr. Gallagher he was not just tasked with working on regionalization.
The board voted unanimously to appoint him to the Budget WG.
In another matter, the board heard a summary of Town Administrator, Keith Hickey’s goals for the coming year. The goals will be used to evaluate Mr. Hickey’s performance at his annual review next year.
Mr. Hickey stated 9 goals with sub categories, including to maintain long term financial stability; strengthen capital planning; improve organizational effectiveness; Labor relations and Human Resources; improve public communication and transparency; economic development; grant administration; provide Select Board support; community partnerships.
The board also declared surplus items for the town auction on 9/19.
Mr. Hickey asked the board to remove the Ford Explorer no longer needed by the police department from the list. He said town hall employees are in need of a vehicle, and he public works department said they can repair the Ford.
Items for auction include office supplies, tools, and a 2005 Chevy Tahoe from the Fire Department.
In another matter, the board voted to request a review of the town’s financial forecast by the state’s Financial Management Resource Bureau. The services is provided by the state at no cost to the town.
The board also met in Executive Session to discuss complaints against the Conservation Commission chairperson.
Committee Vacancies
The Town of Fairhaven has several vacancies on different boards/committees. Visit https://fairhaven-ma.gov/volunteer-opportunities/
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Click here to download the 8/27/26 issue: 08-27-26 Encampment
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